The Subtle Bodies

Many esoteric teachings refer to a
number of distinct planes of existence,
each with its own corresponding "vehicle" of consciousness,
Instead of a single physical body housing the soul (Dualism),
we possess a series of "bodies" or "vehicles of consciousness", beyond
all of which is the spiritual-soul principle.

The Dutch philosopher Dr J. J. Poortman completed in the 1950s a
comprehensive four-volume historical, comparative, and philosophical study
on this very subject, which has been translated into English [J. J. Poortman,
Ochema - Vehicles of Consciousness, Utrecht, Adyar, 1978].